Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the absence of substantial research activity being carried out in Antarctica by the State, Ireland would not enjoy voting rights under the treaty even if it signed and ratified it. I do not know what useful purpose there would be in prioritising it, but we will work with our partners in the European Union, as we do on all issues relating to climate change, and we will make our views known where appropriate. However, it is not a priority in the Department's workload, and I will not be dishonest with the Deputy and say we will prioritise it in the near future.

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